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Eighteen-year-old soccer star Davis Day had a bright future ahead, with contracts on the table, loyal friends, and dreams within reach. But when a single accusation shatters his world, everything he built begins to crumble.
Suddenly, Davis is a target of suspicion and scorn. The teammates he trusted vanish, coaches turn cold, and the court of public opinion condemns him before the truth can be told.
Facing a devastating choice, Davis must decide whether to confess to a crime he did not commit, saving himself but losing his integrity, or fight to clear his name even if it means losing everything.
Inspired by true events, this contemporary tragedy explores how quickly a life can unravel and the price of standing for the truth.
Content: This novel contains emotionally intense scenes, including depictions of sexual trauma, social ostracism, and self-harm. These elements are portrayed with sensitivity and purpose but may be distressing for some readers.
*Book Club Kit and Reader's Guide available on MMHPNOW website
Suddenly, Davis is a target of suspicion and scorn. The teammates he trusted vanish, coaches turn cold, and the court of public opinion condemns him before the truth can be told.
Facing a devastating choice, Davis must decide whether to confess to a crime he did not commit, saving himself but losing his integrity, or fight to clear his name even if it means losing everything.
Inspired by true events, this contemporary tragedy explores how quickly a life can unravel and the price of standing for the truth.
Content: This novel contains emotionally intense scenes, including depictions of sexual trauma, social ostracism, and self-harm. These elements are portrayed with sensitivity and purpose but may be distressing for some readers.
*Book Club Kit and Reader's Guide available on MMHPNOW website
414 pages, Paperback
Published October 20, 2025
2 people are currently reading
3247 people want to read
About the author
Orion Monroe
1 book5 followersOrion Monroe is a filmmaker, writer, and advocate for social change, committed to storytelling that sheds light on critical societal issues. With a strong academic foundation, he holds advanced degrees in Economics, Accounting, and Psychology; a combination that provides him with a deep and analytical understanding of human behavior, financial systems, and the broader societal structures that influence social outcomes. His ability to merge these disciplines allows him to explore the complexities of systemic inequality, mental health, and social justice in his work.
For most of his career, Orion has worked in forensic mental health services, where he has witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by individuals navigating the intersections of psychology, law, and rehabilitation. His experience in this field has given him profound insight into human resilience, institutional challenges, and the need for reform in mental health and criminal justice systems. This exposure has shaped his storytelling, inspiring him to craft narratives that challenge prevailing perspectives, foster empathy, and advocate for meaningful change.
As a filmmaker, Orion has written and directed two short drama films that tackle pressing social concerns, using cinematic storytelling as a means to elevate awareness and provoke dialogue. His films are recognized for their emotional depth, realism, and dedication to amplifying voices that are often overlooked. Through his work, he strives to bridge the gap between entertainment and social consciousness, ensuring that audiences not only engage with powerful narratives but also reflect on the broader implications of these stories.
Beyond his filmmaking endeavors, Orion is deeply passionate about men’s advocacy and broader social change. He is committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by men in modern society, including mental health struggles, societal expectations, and the often-overlooked need for support and guidance. He believes in fostering open conversations around masculinity, emotional well-being, and the evolving roles of men in today’s world. His work seeks to challenge stereotypes and promote a more inclusive and supportive dialogue about men’s issues, emphasizing the importance of mental health resources, emotional expression, and community-building.
In addition to his film projects, Orion continues to explore new ways to merge his academic expertise, professional experience, and creative storytelling to drive impact. Whether through film, literature, or advocacy, his mission remains the same—to create thought-provoking narratives that resonate with audiences, challenge societal norms, and inspire meaningful conversations about justice, equity, and human connection
For most of his career, Orion has worked in forensic mental health services, where he has witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by individuals navigating the intersections of psychology, law, and rehabilitation. His experience in this field has given him profound insight into human resilience, institutional challenges, and the need for reform in mental health and criminal justice systems. This exposure has shaped his storytelling, inspiring him to craft narratives that challenge prevailing perspectives, foster empathy, and advocate for meaningful change.
As a filmmaker, Orion has written and directed two short drama films that tackle pressing social concerns, using cinematic storytelling as a means to elevate awareness and provoke dialogue. His films are recognized for their emotional depth, realism, and dedication to amplifying voices that are often overlooked. Through his work, he strives to bridge the gap between entertainment and social consciousness, ensuring that audiences not only engage with powerful narratives but also reflect on the broader implications of these stories.
Beyond his filmmaking endeavors, Orion is deeply passionate about men’s advocacy and broader social change. He is committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by men in modern society, including mental health struggles, societal expectations, and the often-overlooked need for support and guidance. He believes in fostering open conversations around masculinity, emotional well-being, and the evolving roles of men in today’s world. His work seeks to challenge stereotypes and promote a more inclusive and supportive dialogue about men’s issues, emphasizing the importance of mental health resources, emotional expression, and community-building.
In addition to his film projects, Orion continues to explore new ways to merge his academic expertise, professional experience, and creative storytelling to drive impact. Whether through film, literature, or advocacy, his mission remains the same—to create thought-provoking narratives that resonate with audiences, challenge societal norms, and inspire meaningful conversations about justice, equity, and human connection
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 1, 2025
This book had me completely hooked. What an amazing plot. So much is repeatable and this is really an important read because these things happen in real life and that’s the tragedy of this whole thing. The characters were so relatable and I felt a lot of strong emotions for them all. The author did an amazing job with this book. There are many lessons to be learned in real life from this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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November 15, 2025This book was devastating to read. Anybody who has a loved one that has been falsely accused will identify with the characters. Anybody who hasn't should read this to have more empathy.
December 12, 2025
This was an intense literary fiction surrounding trauma and assault. The exploration of social media, society, and parental influence was so interesting to me. Knowing this story is based on true events was utterly heartbreaking. I really enjoyed Orion’s writing style and hope to see more books from him in the future!
February 16, 2026
I listened to this book on audio, but I also have it in ebook and physical book as that way I can keep the physical book on my shelf .
When first starting the audio book I found it a bit slow going however when I progressed further in I understood why. There is no way you can storm into a book like this. It’s well written but with passion zooming out of the pages I’m not sure if it was just me as the reader, but I felt the presence of the author within the writing.
This is fiction based on fact, which makes this kind of read very harrowing. Many of us toddle away in our own lives forgetting or putting out of our minds the atrocities that happen in the world, or indeed near you. A case of “ what we don’t see, we don’t grieve over” however sticking our heads in the sand helped no one.
When I got to the part of the falsely accused and what he endured it made me not only sad/sick, but angry too .
The audiobook is more a wake up as the terrible events really hit home. The way Orion Monroe wrote the incident I could see this in my minds eye. Picturing it is not a pretty sight, …. I thought long and hard after reading this and my thoughts are, there are grey morals in this and it’s not a straight forward decision, decisions have consequences and sometimes advice is not always justified to be the correct one there is much more to this fictional based on fact than meets the first instance and you thing about it much longer than the last page..
It’s a harrowing tragic impactful eventual read, written with compassionate care but with a strong story to tell.
When first starting the audio book I found it a bit slow going however when I progressed further in I understood why. There is no way you can storm into a book like this. It’s well written but with passion zooming out of the pages I’m not sure if it was just me as the reader, but I felt the presence of the author within the writing.
This is fiction based on fact, which makes this kind of read very harrowing. Many of us toddle away in our own lives forgetting or putting out of our minds the atrocities that happen in the world, or indeed near you. A case of “ what we don’t see, we don’t grieve over” however sticking our heads in the sand helped no one.
When I got to the part of the falsely accused and what he endured it made me not only sad/sick, but angry too .
The audiobook is more a wake up as the terrible events really hit home. The way Orion Monroe wrote the incident I could see this in my minds eye. Picturing it is not a pretty sight, …. I thought long and hard after reading this and my thoughts are, there are grey morals in this and it’s not a straight forward decision, decisions have consequences and sometimes advice is not always justified to be the correct one there is much more to this fictional based on fact than meets the first instance and you thing about it much longer than the last page..
It’s a harrowing tragic impactful eventual read, written with compassionate care but with a strong story to tell.
January 1, 2026
He has lost everything with one lie and he now needs to decide what to say. He could tell the truth and risk everything but saying he did a crime he did not do would also ruin his life. Follow him as he decides what he should do
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a very thoughtful read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a very thoughtful read
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews